Content

This unit explores two fundamental areas of mathematics, space and number, and provides participants with ideas for teaching that exploit this knowledge. Topics covered include: the natural, rational and real numbers; the role of written, mental and calculator computation; using mental computation as a vehicle for enhancing number sense and developing explanation skills; the potential of the calculator to foster children’s exploration of number; using geometry in art and design, including paper engineering and the work of M. C. Escher, as a vehicle for meaningfully engaging students from Prep to Year 10 with the space content of the curriculum. Participants will be expected to reflect on issues related to pedagogical approaches that enhance students’ construction of their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts.

Assessment

Assignment 1: A portfolio of tasks related to natural numbers, computational techniques and number sense, and patterns in the plane (1200 words equivalent) (30%).

Assignment 2: A portfolio of tasks related to symmetries in the plane, regular and semi-regular solids, paper engineering, and rational and irrational numbers; (1200 words equivalent) (30%); and a report on the development and teaching of classroom sessions on number and space (1200 words) (30%).